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Carlo Rino ushers in the upcoming Hari Raya season with warmth and graceful charm as it unveils The Horizon Collection, introduced under the brand's lively Rona Raya, Graceful Gaya campaign. This year's Raya story celebrates new beginnings and the heartwarming journey of 'balik kampung', a feeling every Malaysian knows by heart. It captures the excitement, the colours and the shared moments that make Raya truly special.
At the heart of this celebration lies the delightful presence of kuih-muih which represents a vibrant metaphor for the sweetness of togetherness. Much like an assortment of delicacies arranged on a platter, the colorful and vibrant variety of kuih beautifully captures the essence of Rona Raya, a celebration rich in joy, tradition and harmonious bond of loved ones sharing memorable moments together.
A Complete Raya Wardrobe Companion
The collection is crafted to follow Malaysians through their Raya adventures including meetups, meals, open houses and late night catch ups which is suitable for all day occasions. Each piece strikes the perfect balance between style and practicality so you can celebrate, explore and express yourself with ease throughout the holiday.
The Horizon Collection introduces a lively lineup of modern classics for every style personality. The range includes the Horizon Boston Bag, the Horizon Tote Bag, the Horizon Bucket Bag and the Horizon Shopper Bag, each offering roomy and functional carry options that fit seamlessly into your festive lifestyle.
To complement the bags, the collection highlights a selection of small leather goods including the Horizon Short Bi Fold Wallet, the Horizon Bi Fold Wallet, the Horizon Zip Around Wallet and the Horizon Card Case. Each piece is designed to keep your essentials stylishly organised. Completing the full look is the Horizon Sneaker, which brings a youthful and fashionable finishing touch while keeping you comfortable as you move from one gathering to another.
Warm, Playful and Raya Ready Design
Inspired by the serene beauty of the horizon and reimagined through a younger, energetic lens, the collection highlights horizontal stripes that symbolise connection, continuity and the meaningful movement of Raya traditions. Perfect for pairing with vibrant festive outfits or simple everyday looks, The Horizon Collection radiates a modern and laid back confidence that fits right into the joyful spirit of Hari Raya.
With its palette of soft neutrals, warm beige tones and gentle contrasts, the collection embraces the welcoming, colourful and inclusive spirit of the season. Stylish, wearable and full of understated flair, The Horizon Collection is made to be your go to companion for a fun, fashionable and memorable Raya 2026.
Availability
The Horizon collection is available nationwide at all Carlo Rino boutiques and stores. Malaysians can also shop online as they can be purchased via Carlo Rino's official website as well as e-commerce platforms, including TikTok, Shopee and Lazada.
"Remember, remember, this is now, and now and now." The line from the poet, Sylvia Plath, opens "In the Blink of an Eye" with a quiet insistence, establishing a meditation on the relentless passage of time. From the very first moment, the film asks us to reckon with the fragility of the present, reminding us that each heartbeat, each breath, is fleeting against the sweep of history.
Well, this is the premise of Andrew Stanton's latest live-action work that won a prize at Sundance. Stanton, the mind behind the emotional depths of "Finding Nemo" and "WALL-E", now attempts to hold the breadth of human existence in a single, contemplative gaze. Amid its cosmic ambition, the film returns to a haunting question: how much of our "modern" soul is still rooted in our deepest past?
So how does a Neanderthal family, a dysfunctional modern couple, and an ageless woman with her AI companion factor into a single, cohesive thread?
Source: Disney+
From the get-go, Stanton's love for "2001: A Space Odyssey" is unmistakable—after all, he did give us AUTO in "WALL-E". The film opens on Neanderthals, centring on a simple acorn pressed into the dirt, a small object that gathers symbolic weight as the story unfolds. We meet Thorn (Jorge Vargas), his partner Lark (Tanaya Beatty), their son Lark (Skywalker Hughes), and the infant Ebb. Stanton lingers on bodies at rest, on touch and breath, letting intimacy establish the stakes before a word of exposition intrudes.
The narrative cuts sharply to 2025. Claire (Rashida Jones), an anthropologist, moves through her present with a careful emotional remove. Greg (Daveed Diggs), a statistician—or something close—hovers at the edge of her life. Their connection feels studied, provisional. Claire keeps him at arm's length, dismissing him at one point before retreating into solitude to satisfy her sexual desire privately.
Source: Disney+
In a strangely comedic move, Stanton uses that spark of desire as a temporal hinge. Specifically, the story leaps centuries forward to Coakley (Kate McKinnon), alone in deep space, accompanied only by an AI named ROSCO. At this point in time, she carries human embryos bound for Kepler-16b, an Earth-like planet that promises renewal. While the film offers little explanation about Earth's fate, we simply understand that survival requires departure, and Coakley stands as the custodian of what remains.
From here, the film tightens around the inevitability of death and the fragility of life.
Thorn takes a sudden and brutal fall. He slips, crashes onto his back, and the impact reverberates. Soon, he burns with fever, ribs likely broken, breath shallow. He cannot rise and cannot hunt. His family gathers around him as strength drains from the body that once steadied them. In this world, injury is a sentence, and only the family can help him shoulder and press forward if he has to get better.
Source: Disney+
The present mirrors that fragility. Claire unravels as her mother declines, her scholarly distance dissolving under the weight of imminent loss. She has spent her life studying fossilised remains, tracing humanity through bone and sediment. Now death confronts her directly, refusing abstraction.
In the future, Coakley faces a quieter but no less severe crisis. The oxygen-producing plants aboard her vessel begin to fail, struck by an unexplained blight. Air thins. The mission falters. Humanity's second chance rests inside a sealed craft, sustained by fragile systems that prove as vulnerable as flesh.
Then come the harder questions. Claire chooses her mother. She stays, watching the slow erosion of a life that shaped her own. Her decision strains her bond with Greg, and she withholds the truth, favouring silence over confrontation.
Source: Disney+
Coakley confronts an arithmetic of survival. To contain the blight, some of the oxygen-producing plants must die. Soon, the air supply will be insufficient for all life aboard. Either consumption decreases, or one life must end. Coakley and ROSCO grapple with sacrifice, calculating the odds of survival.
For lack of a better term, this is a Temu "Cloud Atlas" which searches for spiritual continuity rather than narrative symmetry. Stanton prioritises the persistence of longing, fear, and devotion across time over clever structural echoes.
However, a closer parallel may be Robert Zemeckis' "Here". Like that film, "In the Blink of an Eye" pivots restlessly between past, present, and future, asking us to hold competing emotional realities at once. It creates a memorable effect. Yet, that film also possesses a lot of issues which are the same over here. Each cut interrupts momentum just as it gathers force. Each return demands renewed emotional investment. Indeed, it's an ambitious way to tell a story, but it's also a gamble that doesn't always pay off when you're trying to stay connected across three different time zones.
Stanton pursues Plath's notion of "now." The acorn travels through generations as a quiet talisman, being the metaphor of elegance in this journey through time. Yet the relentless crosscutting across temporal pillars dulls its impact. Tension builds, then dissipate and moments that should linger pass by way too quickly. It's frustrating.
Source: Disney+
At ninety minutes, the film promises precision but feels compressed. Thorn's decline, Claire's grief, and Coakley's isolation all carry the marrow of something profound. None receives the space to fully unfold. We sense outlines of devastation more than its full weight.
A leaner cut could have distilled the meditation to its sharpest essence. A longer one could have allowed characters room to breathe. As it stands, the film occupies an uneasy middle ground. Its themes carry gravity. Its emotional impact often proves fleeting. For a story so intent on confronting mortality, that transience feels both deliberate and limiting.
Source: Disney+
Colby Day's script, following his work on "Spaceman", continues his fascination with isolation and technological mediation. Grief threads through each storyline. Death levels the centuries. Still, the constant crosscutting disrupts momentum. The modern and futuristic narratives never quite reach clarity, as do the prehistoric ones. Claire and Greg's relationship unfolds through conversations that feel dutiful rather than intimate. Their love registers in theory, but rarely in texture. In 2417, McKinnon carries the weight of humanity's future with conviction, yet the tone occasionally falters, and the emotional stakes never fully land.
So, again, how does a Neanderthal family, a dysfunctional modern couple, and an ageless woman with her AI companion factor into a single, cohesive thread? While the answer might lie in an acorn necklace, which supposedly contains the film's quiet heart, the truth is that the cohesiveness is never really there. From cave to laboratory to an alien field of flowers, it gestures at continuity and survival. The metaphor carries elegance. Yet the symbolism is lost and cannot sustain itself. For all its meditation on the "missing link," the film struggles to forge an unbroken emotional chain that feels palpable and meditative. It's a shame.
Source: Disney+
In its best moments, "In the Blink of an Eye" brims with intellectual ambition and visual rigour. Stanton dares to compress the sweep of human history into a single canvas, treating mortality as its binding force. Particularly in some of the Stone Age sequences, it achieves rare, solemn beauty. At its weakest, it feels underconstructed, its ideas stated rather than felt.
If this is the energy Stanton brings into 2026, and with "Toy Story 5", which Stanton also directed, on the horizon, we have to pray that he retains the whimsical and memorable touch that has defined his greatest work. Here, however, purported cerebral ambition sometimes eclipses emotional clarity. The film is an intriguing, occasionally frustrating meditation on survival and continuity.
It's a little ironic to think about this experience in retrospect. Simply, gone and forgotten… as this film posits, in the blink of an eye.
"In the Blink of an Eye" is currently streaming on Disney+.
The Review
"In The Blink of An Eye"
2.5Score
In a film brimming with ambition and philosophical scope, "In the Blink of an Eye" falters and remains a middling experience. Its journeys are compelling enough, but rarely carry the weight needed to hold the film together. By the end, we're left with a largely forgettable experience that could, and should, have been much more.
Picking up the pace for the new running season, Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company™ and a global leader in lifestyle and performance footwear, steps forward with a refreshed take on its SKX® AERO performance series. Returning with renewed energy, the SKX® AERO Burst and SKX® AERO Spark bring together trusted run-ready technology and fresh new looks made to stand out on the move, no matter the distance.
Designed to keep runners feeling confident from the first stride to the final stretch, both models continue to carry the prestigious American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance – an award that recognises footwear that supports good foot health while meeting high standards of comfort, quality and safety. Shaped around the rhythms of everyday running, the SKX® AERO series balances cushioning, stability, and comfort to support runners through everything from quick weekday runs to longer mileage days.
SKX® AERO Spark – A Responsive, Lightweight Ride for Shorter, Faster Runs
Light on the feet and big on response, the SKX® AERO Spark is designed for runners who like to keep things quick. Ideal for daily runs, tempo sessions, and speed-focused training, the shoe features a breathable engineered mesh upper that keeps airflow steady as the pace picks up.
Underfoot, the HYPER BURST ICE™ cushioning delivers a smooth, responsive ride, while a carbon-infused H-Plate adds a spring of propulsion with every step. The shoes are further enhanced with HYPER ARC® technology that supports efficient movement, and Arch Fit® support that keeps comfort consistent from warm-up to cool-down. Finished in bold new colourways, the AERO Spark brings performance and personality together in one sleek silhouette – proving that fast can still look good. Each pair is priced at RM659.
SKX® AERO Burst – Comfort That Goes The Distance
Built for runners who rack up the kilometres, the SKX® AERO Burst is all about steady support and lasting comfort. The breathable engineered mesh upper helps keep feet cool on longer runs, while HYPER BURST ICE™ cushioning absorbs impact and returns energy mile after mile.
A carbon-infused H-Wing works alongside HYPER ARC® technology for smooth, natural transitions, while podiatrist-certified Arch Fit® support adds comfort you can count on. Finished with a durable Goodyear® Performance Outsole and refreshed colourways, the AERO Burst is designed to go the distance comfortably and confidently. Each pair is priced at RM759.
The Skechers SKX® AERO Burst and SKX® AERO Spark are available at selected Skechers concept stores, including including Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Pavilion Damansara Heights, Pavilion KL, Sunway Pyramid, Suria KLCC, The Exchange TRX Mall, and 1 Utama Shopping Centre.
This Ramadan, Swarovski spotlights the uplifting message of 'Share the Joy', featuring Malaysian personalities Eyka Farhana, Mimi Lana, and Sharifah Rose as the faces of its campaign for the season. Each muse brings their own interpretation of modern elegance, confidence, and femininity, embodying the spirit of Ramadan and celebrating the beauty of togetherness.
To honour the sacred occasion, Swarovski unveils the exclusive Gema Ramadan collection that blends tradition with modern luxury. Visualised in a campaign that celebrates light, heritage, and glamour, the collection is designed to inspire meaningful connection throughout the Ramadan and Eid season. The pieces are also perfect as thoughtful gifts for loved ones or personal keepsakes.
The collection features swaying necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and a striking cocktail ring in a palette of joyful blues and greens placed in warm, golden toned metal. Created with sustainability in mind, the collection features unique Swarovski ReCreated™ Crystals that use at least 40% fewer natural resources than standard crystals to maintain exceptional quality while reducing environmental impact.
As seen on Eyka Farhana, each piece of the latest collection highlights the expressive shapes, harmonious colours, and radiant craftsmanship that define the Gema family.
Beyond the Gema collection, the campaign also highlights several of Swarovski's iconic jewellery families, each offering versatile styling possibilities for Ramadan moments and Eid celebrations. Mimi Lana is seen in the striking Mesmera necklace and bracelet, paired with the Sublima bangle and Matrix bracelet. Completing her ensemble, she wears a pair of Constella drop earrings with a stack of Matrix and Stilla rings.
Sharifah Rose, on the other hand, is seen wearing a curated selection of rhodium‑plated designs. The new Una Angelic strandage necklaces are complemented by the iconic Constella pendant and its signature dancing stone. Her wrist styling features the classic Matrix Tennis bracelet alongside the Constella bracelet. Sculptural statement rings, including the Hyperbola and heart-shaped Una designs add expressive sparkle. As a finishing touch, she pairs her ensemble with the Matrix brooch.
Gift with Purchase Promotion
Receive an exclusive Ramadan Packet Sets with any spend
Receive an exclusive Swarovski Tealight Holders Set with minimum spend of RM 1,100
The promotion is valid from 5th March to 22nd March 2026
The Raya exclusives are available to purchase exclusively in Swarovski Malaysia stores and online.
If you once thought YouTubers were just "creators" making content for a fleeting algorithm, think again. Truly, the YouTube-to-filmmaker pipeline is no longer just a novelty. It is one of the most legitimate farm systems for the future of Hollywood. For decades, the industry looked at digital creators as influencers playing dress-up. But in 2026, the tide has officially turned.
Indeed, we are witnessing an exponential shift in the cinematic landscape. Markiplier's "Iron Lung" recently stormed into theatres. It defied every industry metric by grossing over $50 million worldwide against a lean $3 million budget. Simultaneously, A24 ignited the internet by dropping the first teaser for "The Backrooms". This confirmed a May 29, 2026, release date. It signals a massive studio bet on a viral myth. And guess what? It is directed by a YouTuber who literally just entered his twenties.
While YouTube is often characterised by short videos, these creators prove that intentional storytelling can expand into something much bigger. These aren't just hobbyists. They are highly trained directors who spent years in a digital film school of their own making.
Without further ado, here are 10 YouTubers who successfully pivoted from the red play button to the silver screen.
1. David F. Sandberg
Breakout Film: "Lights Out"
David F. Sandberg represents a true "zero to hero" story of the digital age. Back in 2013, he lived in a small apartment in Sweden, where he produced micro-budget horror shorts under the moniker "ponysmasher." His breakout short, "Lights Out", was incredibly low-budget. Specifically, it was shot on a Canon 7D with zero crew and starred his wife, Lotta Losten. The film relied on a disarmingly simple hook—a creature that only appears when the lights go out.
As a result, the short went nuclear and racked up tens of millions of views. It eventually caught the eye of horror maestro James Wan. That viral momentum turned a three-minute project into a studio feature with New Line Cinema. Consequently, that film became a massive box office hit. As such, Sandberg was fast-tracked into the big leagues, directing "Annabelle: Creation" and the DC blockbuster "Shazam!".
Credit: Ken Woroner | 2018 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc
However, what truly sets Sandberg apart is that he never left his roots behind. He is now a veteran director of massive blockbusters, but he still treats his channel as a digital classroom. He frequently returns to break down high-end visual effects using open-source software like Blender. Most recently, he finished his 2025 adaptation of the hit horror game Until Dawn. Immediately afterwards, he returned to YouTube to share candid insights on movie marketing and the reality of studio test screenings. Ultimately, for Mr. "ponysmasher," the DIY spirit remains his most valuable tool.
2. Chris Stuckmann
Breakout Film: "Shelby Oaks"
For over a decade, Chris Stuckmann was the gold standard of YouTube film criticism. While most reviewers focused on hype, Stuckmann was one of the few who consistently broke down why a scene worked or failed, offering lectures on tone, pacing, and cinematography through his reviews. He built a following of millions who trusted his taste, but his ultimate goal was never to just judge the arena. It was to step into it.
Source: Chris Stuckmann
His transition culminated in "Shelby Oaks", an ambitious supernatural horror film that follows a woman's obsessive search for her sister, who disappeared during a paranormal investigation. To fund it, Stuckmann skipped the traditional studio treadmill and went straight to his community. He launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $1.3 million, breaking the record for the most-funded horror film on the platform.
The film had its world premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 20, 2024, where its raw potential caught the attention of horror heavyweight Mike Flanagan ("Doctor Sleep" The Haunting of Hill House"), who joined as an executive producer. Soon after, Neon acquired the distribution rights, even providing additional budget for reshoots to polish the film's gore and violence for a wider audience. After a second high-profile screening at Fantastic Fest in September 2025, "Shelby Oaks" hit theatres on October 24, 2025.
Stuckmann's pivot is fascinating because it puts a decade of professional reputation on the line. He moved from the safety of the critic's chair into the line of fire of the very industry he spent years analysing. While the film received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric tension while critiquing its familiar tropes, it successfully grossed over $6.6 million, proving that a critic can indeed make the jump to a professional, profitable director. We are all waiting to see what he does next now that he's officially been "Stuckmannized" by the studio system.
3. RackaRacka (Danny & Michael Philippou)
Breakout Film: "Talk to Me"
The Australian brothers, Danny and Michael Philippou, were known for "RackaRacka." Their channel was defined by chaotic stunt videos and backyard wrestling matches filled with impressive practical effects. Their style was loud, violent, and seemingly unpolished. However, the brothers were actually teaching themselves the mechanics of pacing and action.
Who knew they would one day frighten the entire world instead? Indeed, they shocked the industry with their directorial debut, "Talk to Me". It was picked up by A24 after a bidding war at Sundance. The film was hailed as one of the most technically proficient horror movies of the decade. Unlike creators who struggle to move past internet humour, the Philippous delivered a sombre, high-stakes film. Their success shows that YouTube energy can be harnessed into world-class tension.
4. Curry Barker
Breakout Film: "Milk & Serial"
Source: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for IMDb
Curry Barker is widely known as one-half of the comedy duo "that's a bad idea" Originally, he became a viral sensation by mastering the "short-form twist." His horror sketches often start as mundane vlogs before spiralling into something deeply unsettling. As a result, he developed a reputation for making 60-second videos that felt incredibly atmospheric and professional.
Building on this momentum, in 2024, Barker released "Milk & Serial", a found footage feature that was uploaded directly to YouTube for free. Remarkably, despite having only an $800 budget, the film received widespread critical acclaim.
Consequently, his DIY success caught the attention of the industry very quickly. This transition led to his upcoming theatrical feature, "Obsession", set for a May 2026 release by Focus Features. The story follows a music store employee who uses a supernatural toy to force love. The project was acquired in a massive $15 million deal following its festival success. Currently, Barker is already working on his next film, "Anything But Ghosts", alongside horror titan Jason Blum.
5. Rudy Mancuso
Breakout Film: "Música"
Credit: Alexander Gomez
Rudy Mancuso's career is a perfect case study in how a distinct creative voice can scale from 6-second loops to high-budget sets. His journey began on Vine and YouTube, where he became one of the platform's most creative forces. He leaned into his musical background and his experience with synesthesia — a condition where he perceives everyday sounds as complex rhythms — to create sketches that were as much about sound design as they were about comedy. During this era, he also launched the "Awkward Puppets" show; while intentionally ridiculous and chaotic, the series showcased his ability to build iconic characters and improvise with sharp comedic timing.
In 2019, Mancuso released the short film "Circle of Love", a beautifully rhythmic project that captured the hearts of millions and currently sits at over 78 million views on YouTube. The short was so foundational to the artistic identity that he later included a full-circle reference to it in his feature debut. As his digital presence grew, he began transitioning into traditional Hollywood, landing the role of Albert Desmond in the DC blockbuster "The Flash", directed by Andy Muschietti. The two developed a close creative shorthand, with Mancuso even shadowing Muschietti on set to study his directorial techniques.
Credit: Brooke Palmer/HBO
This mentorship and years of digital experimentation culminated in his 2024 feature directorial debut, "Música". Released on Prime Video, the film is a vibrant, semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story that turns his synesthesia into a visual and auditory feast. Mancuso's rise reached a new peak in late 2025 with a significant supporting role as Captain Pauly Russo in the critically acclaimed HBO series "It: Welcome to Derry". Playing a quick-witted Korean War veteran, Mancuso delivered a heroic, scene-stealing performance that ended in a tragic sacrifice, proving that his "anti-musical" style is a legitimate and powerful new language in cinema.
6. Bo Burnham
Breakout Film: "Eighth Grade"
Source: Netflix
Bo Burnham was one of the first true bedroom stars of the internet. He began posting satirical songs from his parents' house in 2006. While he spent a decade as a stand-up success, his shift into directing revealed a much deeper side.
His directorial debut, "Eighth Grade" in 2018, remains a gold standard for films about the social media generation. Indeed, Burnham crafted a quiet and beautiful story about raw teenage anxiety starring Elsie Fisher as a girl navigating a world where everyone is constantly performing. He used his knowledge of internet culture to critique it from the heart. Subsequently, this earned him a Writers Guild of America Award and proved he was a top-tier director.
Source: Netflix
Yet, Burnham never lost his confined instincts. This was most evident in his 2021 project, "Bo Burnham: Inside". He shot it entirely alone in a single room during the lockdowns. What else, he acted as his own director, cinematographer, and editor. The result was a masterclass that blurred the lines between comedy and psychological thriller. It perfectly captured the experience of being "terminally online." The project was an industry-shaking success that swept the Emmys. Welcome to the Internet, Hollywood.
7. Dan Trachtenberg
Breakout Film: "10 Cloverfield Lane"
Credit: Neil Mockford/FilmMagic
Now, here's someone who's been hitting it big recently. Dan Trachtenberg spent years in the digital trenches as a co-host of "The Totally Rad Show", where he broke down film and gaming culture for a growing online audience. While he was a respected voice in the space, his true "calling card" was the 2011 short film "Portal: No Escape". Based on the hit video game, the short was so visually polished and technically precise that it looked like a studio production.
That momentum carried him to his feature debut with "10 Cloverfield Lane", a tightly wound psychological thriller that proved he could handle big-studio pressure. However, it's his work over the last few years that has turned him into a genre legend. Trachtenberg has effectively become the face of the "Predator" franchise, revitalising the series with three back-to-back hits. It started with 2022's "Prey", followed by the ambitious animated anthology "Predator: Killer of Killers", and most recently the theatrical smash "Predator: Badlands".
By taking huge genre swings, like setting stories in the 1700s or making the Predator the actual protagonist, Trachtenberg has done what few "fan-turned-filmmakers" manage: he revitalised a franchise by treating it with the same creativity he used back in his YouTube days.
8. Markiplier (Mark Fischbach)
Breakout Film:Iron Lung
Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
He's a meme, a gaming legend, and the man who single-handedly made millions of people afraid of the deep sea. What more can we say but "E."
Markiplier is one of the most recognisable faces in gaming history. Still, beneath the "Let's Plays" and the viral screams, he has always been a storyteller obsessed with the mechanics of tension. He pioneered the "Interactive YouTube" genre with high-concept projects like "In Space with Markiplier" and "A Heist with Markiplier", which used the platform's choice-based features to turn viewers into active participants.
His leap to the big screen, "Iron Lung", released this month, is the culmination of that ambition. An adaptation of David Szymanski's claustrophobic indie horror game, the film follows a lone prisoner navigating an ocean of blood in a rusted submarine. He wrote, directed, produced, and starred in it, famously funding a massive portion of the production himself to maintain total creative control.
By choosing such a contained, minimalist setting, he leaned into the primary lesson of his YouTube career: how to command an audience's attention for hours using nothing but a single camera angle and a haunting vocal performance. Released in early 2026, Iron Lung defied every industry metric, grossing nearly $50 million and becoming a case study for how a "creator-led" film can dominate the box office without a traditional studio marketing machine.
9. Kane Parsons
Breakout Film:The Backrooms
Credit: Jeremy Cox
If you've spent any time on the internet over the last few years, you've likely "spawned" in The Backrooms. Kane Parsons, known online as Kane Pixels, transformed a cryptic 2019 4chan creepypasta—the endless, yellow-carpeted maze of abandoned office space—into a global cinematic phenomenon. In 2022, at just 16 years old, Parsons uploaded a lo-fi found-footage short that turned this "liminal space" aesthetic into a viral nightmare. Using nothing but Blender and a preternatural instinct for pacing, he did more for the horror genre with one laptop than many studios do with $100 million.
The most staggering part of his story is the speed of his ascent. Parsons was just 17 when A24 reached out to turn his vision into a feature film. Now, at only 20 years old, he is officially the youngest director in the studio's history. Instead of making him "pay his dues" as an assistant, A24 recognised that he possessed a visual language the industry was desperate to understand. They surrounded him with a "dream team" of prestige talent to ensure his debut hits with maximum impact.
Source: Kane Pixels
For the feature adaptation (slated for a May 2026 release), A24 provided Parsons with a heavy-hitting cast, including Academy Award nominees Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World), along with indie legend Mark Duplass. With horror titans like James Wan and Shawn Levy producing, Parsons has gone from a high schooler with a laptop to the captain of a multi-million dollar studio ship. His rise proves that if your concept is terrifying enough, the industry will meet you exactly where you are.
10. Joel Haver
Breakout Film: "Pretend That You Love Me"
Source: Joel Haver
Joel Haver built a massive following through his signature rotoscoped animation and absurdist comedy. However, his heart has always belonged to feature-length storytelling. In an industry obsessed with "gatekeepers" and multi-million dollar budgets, Haver's philosophy is radically different: just make the movie. Specifically, he prioritises creative soul over technical perfection, often releasing his features directly to YouTube for free.
Consequently, in 2024, Haver executed what many considered a "suicide mission" for a filmmaker. He wrote, shot, and edited 12 feature-length films in 12 months. This anthology included experimental standouts like "The Text" and the stop-motion epic "Hello My Beautiful Creatures". Ultimately, the project earned him a prestigious 2025 IMI Award for independent media. In addition, the project wasn't just a stunt; it was a manifesto. By the time he finished, he had directed over 25 features. As a result, he has now completed more films than most Hollywood veterans manage in a lifetime.
His influence on the industry is most visible through his annual "Oscars Challenge." Through this initiative, he encourages thousands of creators to skip the Academy Awards and instead use those three hours to shoot a feature film of their own. In fact, Haver's rise has even caught the attention of prestige gaming and TV. For instance, in 2025, he voiced the character "Waterboy" in the star-studded video game "Dispatch" alongside Aaron Paul. Despite the high-paying jobs and foreign film offers now coming his way, Haver has committed to another 12-movies-in-12-months run for 2026. To summarise, he doesn't necessarily want to be the next Spielberg; he wants to show every kid with a phone that they already are one.
CABBEEN, together with its youth-driven street line 2AM, officially takes over The Starhill in Kuala Lumpur from 4th March to 8th March with a five-day landmark pop-up event.
This marks not only a deeper commitment to the Malaysian market, but also a strategic milestone in CABBEEN global expansion, as the brand continues to chart its international fashion presence.
As one of China's benchmark designer menswear labels, CABBEEN's presence at The Starhill reflects its premium positioning and global ambition. Alongside it, 2AM introduces a new dimension through its 3D printed sneakers, redefining footwear through advanced manufacturing, modern silhouettes and a refined urban aesthetic. Together, the brands present distinct yet complementary expressions of contemporary Chinese creativity on the international stage.
2AM's standout highlight is its sculptural 3D sneaker series. Built with a 360° breathable lattice structure, the futuristic designs combine lightweight durability with eco-conscious innovation.
Models such as the AWAKE, ROCKER, EVOLVE & HYBRID (priced from RM389 to RM1189) feature striking, architectural silhouettes that feel equal parts performance innovation and runway statement.
Malaysian media were invited to an exclusive preview on 4th March to experience the immersive concept firsthand, a space where tailoring meets technology and streetwear evolves into wearable innovation.
For fans of CABBEEN and 2AM, this limited-time pop-up presents a rare opportunity to secure exclusive pieces and enjoy special promotions. Five days only — miss it and it's gone!
Layan LIFE by Anantara, the brand's flagship wellness retreat nestled within the luxurious Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, has unveiled a new collection of women-focused retreats designed to support, celebrate and empower women across all chapters of life — from tech-overloaded teens and women navigating the hormonal fluctuations of midlife, to those entering their wiser years wanting to stay strong, mobile and well.
Each programme combines advanced diagnostics, nutrition, movement and therapeutic treatments with Thailand's time-honoured healing traditions, creating a personalised experience rooted in evidence, empathy and balance.
The launch comes at a time when multi-generational and purpose-driven travel continues to rise. More women are choosing to travel together — mothers and daughters, sisters, lifelong friends — seeking experiences that offer learning, bonding and meaningful rest. Layan LIFE's retreats honour this shift beautifully: guests stay together, spend time together and enjoy shared workshops, yet each woman follows her own fully personalised wellness path tailored to her age, needs and goals.
"At Layan LIFE, we recognise that a woman's well-being is never static," says Jennifer Sanvictores, General Manager at Layan LIFE. "Our bodies, hormones and emotional landscapes evolve with time. These retreats honour every stage with understanding, scientific accuracy and genuine care — supporting women in ways that feel relevant, uplifting and deeply personal."
Longevity for LIFE
At the core of Layan LIFE's women-focused offerings is Longevity for LIFE, a preventive and regenerative wellness retreat designed to extend health span and support healthy biological ageing. The programme integrates advanced longevity diagnostics, Thai Traditional Medicine, functional nutrition, therapeutic movement, IV therapy and personalised well-being coaching.
Through a carefully curated and medically guided approach, Longevity for LIFE supports hormonal balance, restores vitality, enhances resilience and promotes long-term sustainable health — helping guests feel better, age better and live well for longer.
Under this retreat framework, Layan LIFE introduces two distinct women's speciality retreats.
This medically guided longevity retreat is designed to support women through midlife and beyond, addressing the physiological transitions of perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause with clarity, care and evidence-based support. Focusing on hormonal stability, preservation of bone and muscle health, metabolic and cardiovascular resilience, and cognitive and emotional well-being, the programme combines medical insight, lifestyle medicine, targeted longevity therapies and restorative practices.
Programme focus includes:
Hormonal balance and symptom support
Bone density, muscle strength and mobility
Metabolic and cardiovascular health
Cognitive clarity, emotional well-being, and vitality
3-Night Holistic Women's Wellness Retreat
Launched in celebration of March as Women's Wellness Month, this speciality retreat offers a holistic journey grounded in Thai Traditional Medicine. Designed to support hormonal balance, reproductive health, vitality and emotional well-being, the experience provides a deeply nurturing reset where ancient Thai healing wisdom meets mindful movement, therapeutic touch and restorative rituals.
Each element respects a woman's natural rhythms, recognising that true well-being emerges when the body is listened to, supported and gently restored. The retreat invites guests to slow down, reconnect inward and trust the body's innate intelligence — allowing balance, energy and clarity to unfold naturally.
Who the retreat is designed for:
Women experiencing hormonal imbalance, fatigue, chronic stress or sleep disruption
Women navigating perimenopause, menopause or post-partum recovery
Busy professionals seeking deep rest, renewal and reconnection
Women wishing to reconnect with their natural rhythm, intuition and vitality
All-inclusive retreats start from USD1,000 (approximately RM3,900) per person, per night on double occupancy. For further information or reservations, contact Layan LIFE via WhatsApp (+66) 65 513 8651, telephone (+66) 076 317 210, email layanlife@anantara.com, or visit the Layan LIFE website at www.layanlifephuket.com.
